benefit derived: and thus the endeavour to diffuse the Gospel abroad is closely connected with its enlarged influence within our own spheres. In concluding this extended survey, the Writer would express his strong conviction, that the full exhibition of a Scriptural Ministry, combined with diligent labour in the Pastoral department, is the medium, through which the Spirit of God will produce among us an extension of true religion, which for explicitness, durability and consistency, will abide the day of trial, and cause even the enemies of the Gospel to "see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and that the Holy One of Israel hath created it."* It is not, however, an exclusive interest in any department that is desirable, but a concentrated attention to all. Whosoever, (to apply our Saviour's words,†) shall neglect one of the least ordinances of the sacred office "shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” We must be careful, however, not to attempt too many plans at once-not more than we have a reasonable hope of sustaining, and especially not more than is consistent with a primary reference to our personal communion with God, and preparation for our public work. Yet by regularity, doing one thing at a time, allowing a pause, by short exercises, and by such prudence as is consistent with zeal, (not letting a variety of exercises carry us beyond our strength,) much more may be done than is commonly imagined. ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΟΙΣ ΙΣΘΙ,-1 Tim. iv. 15. Isaiah xli. 20. † Matt. v. 19. PART VI. RECOLLECTIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. Ir may be profitable to shut up this immensely momentous and interesting subject, with an attempt to recall a few of the exercises of our mind, and to concentrate them in some fixed and permanent impressions. Just and elevated views of our office, habitually realized, are most conducive to our Ministerial proficiency. They tend at once to excite, support, and direct us in our work. It is possible that the detailed view, which has been exhibited of our high responsibilities, may have alternately operated in discouragement or in sustaining consolation. Yet we are persuaded, that, though partial views of the Christian Ministry may, by` eclipsing the prospects of faith, make the "hands hang down" in the work, the sober calculation, and the extended observation of faith will substantiate before us the full support of the Gospel-such as will draw forth the expression of our present gratitude, and result in continued and fresh excitement in the world of everlasting praise.* But that we may maintain our apprehensions of the work in practical and abiding influence-the Writer would expand a few questions, which the course of this survey has suggested for his own conviction, and which *The writer is happy to recommend in this place an interesting and valuable compilation- The Christian Minister's Pocket Companion, by Rev. W. Shuttleworth.' (Holdsworth and Ball.) he would respectfully submit for the consideration of his honoured and beloved brethren. I. Do we honour our work? The deepest spirit of personal humiliation well consists with elevated views of the sacred function ;* and it is then, that we “magnify our office," when Christ is the central doctrine, and inspiring principle of our Ministrations, and we cover ourselves to exhibit his glory.† Let Jesus Christ,' said the excellent Matthew Henry, 'be all in all. Study Christ-preach Christ-live Christ.' 'It was said of Ignatius, that he carried Christ about with him in his heart, and this I will say-if to represent a glorious Christ to the view, the love, and the admiration of all people, be the grand intention of your life-if you are exquisitely studious that the holiness and yet the gentleness of a glorious Christ may shine in your conversation—if in your public discourses you do with rapture bring in the mention of a glorious Christ in every paragraph, and on every occasion where he is to be spoken of and if in your private conversation you contrive to insinuate something of his glories and praises, whenever it may be decently introduced-finally, if when you find that a glorious Christ is the more considered and acknowledged by your means, you exclaim -Lord! this is my desired happiness'-truly you then live to good purpose.'§ We magnify our office also by an exhibition of the spirit of our commission. The dignity and glory of the Christian Ministry, mainly consists in the personal exhibition of the graces and holiness of our Divine * Comp. Eph. iii. 8. Rom. xi. 13. † See John iii. 30. Life, p. 122. Compare sermon on John xiv. i. Miscel, Works. pp. 581--583. § Mather's Essays to do Good, pp. 113, 114. |